Report From RIOC President Leslie Torres - Roosevelt Island Increased Con Ed Gas Service Plans For Cornell Arrival, FEMA Reimbursement For Hurricane Irene Repairs and Preventive Measures, Emergency Preparedness Workshop & Outdoor Field Permits

March 21 RIOC Ops Committee Discussion of Con Ed Plans (video/audio out of Sync)

Roosevelt Island Operating Corp (RIOC) President Lesie Torres sends the following report to Roosevelt Island residents.

I want to wish you a happy beginning to the spring season. It’s a wonderful time to get outside, to take advantage of the warmer weather and the longer days, and to be reminded of what a beautiful place Roosevelt Island is to live and work.

Discussions about Gas for the Island

RIOC is in on-going discussions with Con Edison about their plans to supply increased gas services to Roosevelt Island with the arrival of the Cornell-Technion campus. We will be working with Con Edison to develop the best strategy for providing gas service for the long-term future.

FEMA Reimbursement for Irene Repairs and Preventative Measures

As you all remember, last summer Roosevelt Island weathered Hurricane Irene. Earlier in 2011, RIOC underwent companywide FEMA training so that when storms and other potential disasters strike, we would be able to execute FEMA’s emergency management command procedures. That’s exactly what we did during Irene to minimize damages, and as a result we are eligible to receive reimbursement dollars from FEMA to help cover the cost of repairs after the storm. The process takes an estimated six months from the date of reimbursement submission.

Additionally FEMA will help cover mitigation costs, providing reimbursement for the preventative measures that RIOC plans to take in order to limit losses and damages during future emergencies. We are working to identify potential weak spots on the Island and then we will make the necessary repairs in order to ensure that our residents and properties are safe. For example, we are currently assessing plans to shore up the Seawall – a project that will be reimbursed, in part, by FEMA because RIOC Staff completed their preparedness training last year.

Emergency Preparedness Workshop

On a related note, State Senator José M. Serrano and the American Red Cross in Greater New York are sponsoring a free workshop designed to prepare individuals and families for emergencies on the Island. The event is Friday, March 23 at 6:00 p.m. at the Good Shepherd Community Center and it’s co-sponsored by Council Member Jessica Lapin and Assembly Member Micah Kellner. Attendees will learn how to create a family disaster plan, build and maintain a supply kit, and keep loved ones safe and informed during times of disaster. For more information and to RSVP, please call the District Office at (212) 828-5829.

Dr. May Edward Chinn Play

I thoroughly enjoyed the performance of Dr. May Edward Chinn earlier this month at the Main Street Theatre & Dance Alliance. The play told the inspirational story of Dr. Chinn, a pioneer in cervival cancer research and treatment who broke barriers as the first African-American woman to graduate from Bellevue Hospital Medical College and the first to intern at Harlem Hospital. It was a terrific show and a poignant way to celebrate Women’s History Month!

Spring Season Begins for Outdoor Sports Fields

The weekend of March 31-April 1 marks the opening of the spring season for our outdoor fields. To apply for a permit, visit www.rioc.ny.gov/generalapp.htm or contact Donna.Masly@rioc.ny.gov.

The video discussion at top is of March 21 RIOC Operations Committee meeting (full audio web cast of meeting is here - Con Ed discussion starts at 2 hour 32 minute 45 second mark). VP of Operations Fernando Martinez briefed the RIOC Board Directors on early stage plans of Con Ed for possible increased gas usage on Roosevelt Island with the development of new Cornell Technion campus. Video is missing last minute and half of discussion.